Shoals Economic Development Authority

DOING BUSINESS
IN THE SHOALS

Economic Data

Business Climate

Shoals Economic Development Authority

Phone:
(256) 764-0351
1-800-239-6087
FAX: (256) 764-3850
20 Hightower Place
Suite 1
P.O. Box 580
Florence, Alabama 35630

E-mail:

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Training
Upgrading the local labor force is a high priority in the Shoals. Manufacturing and related training is provided in various ways. Each mode is designed to meet the individual needs of a client.

The State sponsors the Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) program, which designs and implements a client-approved training curriculum at no cost to the new or expanding company. The training program can be operated on-site or at a company approved alternate facility.

Locally, the University of North Alabama and Northwest-Shoals Community College are available to provide specialized training for persons whose skills may require additional instruction. Both institutions have a proven track record in meeting the training needs of the manufacturing in the area.

The Shoals was first in the State to formally structure an Alliance between industry and education with industry playing the lead role. The Alliance's mission is to address common, on-going training needs for industry to maintain its competitiveness in the marketplace. Under the auspices of the Alliance, existing companies have participated in blueprint reading, employee selection, presentation skills, ISO 9000, SPC, supervisor training, operator training, welding, and advanced blueprint reading.

The Center for Environmental Technology, located on the campus of Northwest-Shoals Community College, is one of 10 regional centers in Alabama forming the Alabama Technology Network (ATN). The Center is charged with improving the effectiveness of the workforce through education, training, and technical assistance.

On-The-Job Training (OJT) is a program designed to offset the costs associated with training eligible workers. OJT can help increase the cash flow of your business, reduce recruitment and training costs and maximize profits. Visit the website for North Alabama Skills to learn more about this program.

Workforce Investment Act
The Workforce Investment Act reforms federal job training programs and creates a new, comprehensive workforce investment system. The reformed system is intended to be customer-focused to help Americans access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high quality services and to help U.S. Companies find skilled workers.